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U.S. Government contribution for UNICEF

Background

© U.S. Fund for UNICEF/Telford

For more than 60 years, in partnership with the U.S. Government and the American people, UNICEF has made an enormous difference in saving children’s lives and protecting their futures.  With U.S. support, UNICEF helped cut the world’s child mortality rate in half since 1960, proving that progress for children is possible even in poor countries, with political will, sound strategies, and funding.

Sadly, however, in too many poor countries and communities around the world, too many children do not survive.  Every year, 8.8 million children under five years old die from mostly preventable causes.  Pneumonia and diarrhea alone account for a third of all child deaths.  Children are most at risk in sub-Saharan Africa, which accounts for 22 per cent of global births, but almost half of under-five deaths.

We believe that number should be ZERO!  To help save children’s and mothers’ lives, UNICEF is accelerating child survival in Africa and elsewhere, by working to implement integrated packages of low-cost interventions for communities and families, a strategy proven to cut child mortality rates.  UNICEF is also a leader in promoting quality basic education for all boys and girls, and protecting children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS.

The U.S. Government's contribution to UNICEF is part of America’s global investment in children.  This annual contribution to UNICEF’s regular budget is critical to UNICEF's work in child survival and development, including the innovative “accelerated child survival” program in Africa.  In addition, the U.S. contribution allows UNICEF to partner with the United States in responding to humanitarian needs due to natural disasters and conflicts, and to address threats to children such as trafficking and sexual exploitation.

Although part of the United Nations system, UNICEF does not receive any of the assessed dues that the United States and other nations contribute to the UN.  All of the funding UNICEF receives is provided on a voluntary basis, with about two-thirds of contributions coming from governments, and the other third coming from private businesses, foundations, and citizens.

FY 2010 Appropriations

Every fiscal year, the U.S. Congress must pass appropriations legislation to fund U.S. Government programs and agencies, including the contribution to UNICEF.  With bipartisan support, Congress provided a voluntary contribution to UNICEF of $130 million for this fiscal year – the highest U.S. contribution ever to UNICEF.
With the current global financial crisis, vulnerable newborns, young children, and mothers face greater challenges than ever, making UNICEF’s important and effective work even more crucial to their survival.  That is why for FY 2010, we asked the U.S. Congress to increase UNICEF funding to help save children’s lives and protect their futures.